Product Description
An optical illusion using illusion knit techniques.
When you look straight at the afghan you see stripes in squares and zigzags. When you look at it from other angles you start to see steps and cubes, sometimes with light tops and sometimes with dark.
Step Up can be made to any size you want, using any yarn. The one shown in the photos was made in DK yarn and measures about 86 cm by 96 cm (34 inches by 38 inches).
There are never more than 20 stitches on the needles at any time but, because the sections are small, the work has to be turned often. Most of the joining is done as you go but there are a few small seams left to be stitched. You also need to be familiar with 3-needle bind off. There are a lot of ends to be darned in.
The instructions begin by leading you stage-by-stage. Once you have learned the method, you can decide for yourself which direction to work and how big to make the afghan.
Although this design is very simple to make it is not recommended for beginners.
Step Up Afghan by Woolly Thoughts
What is Being Made
Step Up is an afghan blanket design that creates a striking optical illusion using illusion knitting techniques. The finished piece measures 86 cm by 96 cm (34 inches by 38 inches), though the pattern is flexible and can be customized to any size as either a square or rectangular throw. The design produces the visual impression of three-dimensional cubes or steps when viewed directly, making it an engaging project that combines mathematical principles with fiber arts.
Illusion Knitting Technique
Also known as shadow knitting, illusion knitting is the primary technique used throughout this project. This advanced optical method creates dimensional effects by strategically placing contrasting colors or yarn weights to form images that appear to shift or change depending on the viewing angle. In Step Up, the illusion knitting technique is employed to generate the convincing appearance of cubes and stepped surfaces across the entire afghan surface. The designer provides foundational instructions to get started, then guides knitters through applying specific rules to determine the number and placement of cubes in each direction, allowing for creative customization within a structured framework.
Construction Method
Most pieces of the afghan are joined together as you go, which streamlines the finishing process and reduces the number of seams required. However, there are a few strategic locations where traditional seams need to be stitched to complete the construction. Knitters should be prepared for a significant finishing phase, as the project involves darning in a large number of yarn ends throughout the piece.
Materials and Yarn
The sample afghan shown in the pattern photographs was created using Double Knitting yarn, which provides the weight and stitch definition necessary for the illusion knitting techniques to display clearly. However, the pattern is adaptable to other yarn weights and types, allowing knitters to choose materials based on their preferences, available stash, or desired finished characteristics. The specific needle size would correspond to the yarn weight selected.
Difficulty Level
This is an intermediate-level knitting project, suitable for knitters with foundational skills who are ready to explore more advanced techniques. The illusion knitting method requires attention to detail and understanding of how color placement and stitch structure create visual effects, making it an excellent project for developing technical proficiency and creative problem-solving in knitting.
Designer Information
Step Up was designed by Pat Ashforth and Steve Plummer of Woolly Thoughts, an independent design studio known for exploring the intersection of crafty mathematics and fiber arts. This pattern is available as a downloadable PDF, making it accessible for immediate use.
Specifications
| Brand: | Independent Designer |
| Pages: | 0 |
| Designer: | Woolly Thoughts |
| Craft: | Knitting |
| Format: | Downloadable PDF |
| Languages: | English |
| Notes: | Any thickness of yarn can be used. |
| Number of Patterns: | 1 |
| Skill Level: | Intermediate |
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